Abstract: An improved photocathode (12) and image intensifier tube (10) are disclosed along with a method for making both the tube (10) and photocathode (12). The disclosed image intensifier tube (10) creates a visible light image (20) from an image emitting photons (22). The tube (10) comprises a photocathode (12) having an indium-gallium-arsenide active layer (26) and an aluminum-gallium-arsenide window layer (28). The photocathode (12) is operable to emit electrons (23) in response to the photons (22). A display apparatus is coupled to the photocathode (12) and is operable to transform the emitted electrons (23) into a visible light image (24). An embodiment of the invention is capable of detecting 1.06 .mu.m radiation.

Abstract: A headgear mount (10) for night vision goggles (12) is disclosed. The headgear mount (10) is formed with a goggle mounting structure (14) secured to a mounting block (16). Mounting block (16) is secured to frame (22) that is secured to the front portion of the user's cranium by straps (28, 32, 38, 52, 54). Goggle mounting structure (14) allows the goggles (12) to rotate between a line-of-sight position when in use and a stowed position when not in use. A magnet means formed by two magnet positioners (72, 74) and two magnets (74, 76) adjust the power switch of goggles (12) so that the goggles (12) receive power in the line-of-sight position and do not receive power when in the stowed position. Headgear mount (10) has adapters (98, 104) that allow headgear mount (10) to be used with various types of night vision goggles.

Abstract: A helmet mount (10) for night vision goggles (12) is disclosed that is formed with a rear clamp (24), front clamp (16), a strap (20) disposed between the front and rear clamps (16, 24), and a goggle mounting structure (14). The goggle mounting structure (14) secures the night vision goggles (12) to the helmet mount (10) and allows the goggles (12) to be placed in a stowed position when not in use and a line-of-sight position when a used. Additionally, the goggle mounting structure (14) has power activator (58, 60, 62, 64) that automatically deactivates the power when the goggles are not in use and activates the power when the goggles are in use. The helmet mount (10) has adapters (80, 86) that allow the mount to be used with various types of night vision goggles.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for automatically maintaining the position of a laser beam relative to a boresight axis with a highly sensitive and selective beam position detector that is optimally located for noise reduction, and compensating for angular errors by displacing the laser beam directly and thereby minimizing tracking errors.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for improving power transfer or collection efficiency from a high aspect ratio linear junction laser diode to associated collimation optics in a weapon rangefinder, illuminator, laser spot projector, optical security system, or other optical device. A cylindrical or rod lens (16) is positioned adjacent to the emitting region (14) of the laser diode (10), the longitudinal axis of the rod lens (16) being parallel to the emitting region (14). Preferably, the emitting region (14) of the laser diode (10) is located at the bottom of a V-shaped surface (20) of the laser diode (10), for facilitating alignment of the rod lens (16) with the emitting region (14).

Abstract: There is provided an improved optical viewing device (10) in which variable compass heading information (80) and stadiametric range measuring information (88), (106), (118) is superimposed upon the image of a scene viewed through a viewing optical system (13) within the device (10). A self-luminous display panel (36) displays the information in the form of graphical symbols and/or alphanumeric characters. A folding lens (38) reflects light from the display panel (36) to a correcting lens (40), which transmits the light to a reflecting means (41) or (52). The reflecting means (41) or (52) reflects the light to a mangin mirror (44) or (62), which reflects the light to a dichroic combiner (28) or (50). The dichroic combiner (28) or (50) transmits the light into the path of the viewing optical system (13) such that the information displayed on the display panel (36) is effectively superimposed upon the image of the scene viewed by the user.

Abstract: There is provided a multifunction coaxial objective system (16) for a laser rangefinder (10). The transmitter, receiver, and viewing optical systems have a common, coaxial optical axis (48). The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) includes lenses (28), (30) and mirror (32) each having a central obscuration therein. The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) further includes a lens (34) having a dichroic coating on one surface (50). The dichroic coated lens (34) transmits visible and near infrared light and reflects light of the wavelength transmitted by a laser emitter (18). The viewing optical system includes a pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) for adjusting the focus of the viewing optical system. Each focusing wedge (42), (44) is a wedge-shaped optical flat. The pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) are disposed against one another along a plane inclined with respect to the coaxial optical axis (48) of the multifunction coaxial objective system (16).

Abstract: The improved power supply of the present invention adjusts the voltages applied to an image tube to provide automatic brightness control and automatically compensate for temperature changes. A first oscillator, transformer and multiplier supply DC high voltage to a microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier of an image tube. The oscillator is controlled via control circuitry to modify the voltage applied to the MCP to automatically compensate for temperature changes associated with an image tube and to provide an automatic brightness control mode of operation. A second oscillator, transformer and individual multipliers are used to supply appropriate DC voltages to the cathode and screen of an image tube; these voltages are also automatically adjusted for temperature changes associated with the image tube. The screen current is detected and is used by additional control circuitry as feedback for the first oscillator to provide the automatic brightness control mode of operation.

Abstract: There is provided an improved night vision goggle having a housing containing an objective lens assembly, an image intensifier tube, a collimator assembly, a splitter member, and a pair of afocal telescopes. The optical axis of the afocal telescopes are offset from the optical axis of the collimator and objective lens assemblies. A pair of achromatic doublet lens assemblies are mounted side-by-side on the exit side of the collimator and near the entrance pupils of the telescopes. The optical axes of the doublet lens assemblies are coaxial with the optical axes of the telescopes. The achromatic doublet lens assemblies thus collect light from a sub-diameter, decentered aperture of the collimator assembly, and correct axial chromatic aberration in the telescopes.

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a contour of a surface relative to a vehicle, in which a first electromagnetic radiation source projects a first beam to create a first reflection pattern on the surface. A second electromagnetic radiation source projects a second beam to create a second reflection pattern on the surface. An apparatus is provided for coupling the first and second electromagnetic radiation sources to the vehicle, such that a movement of the vehicle results in a movement of the first and second reflection patterns on the surface.

Abstract: A video display (38) provides a visual representation of a video signal over a matrix of pixels (40). Each pixel comprises a picture element (64) operable to radiate responsive to an externally applied voltage determined by the video signal. To prevent the intensity of a selected picture element (64) from being dependent upon the threshold potentials of the switching elements connecting the externally applied voltage to the picture elements (64), feedback lines (46) are provided to sense the voltage at the picture element (64). The voltage at the picture element (64) is adjusted until it equals the desired voltage.

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: A universal night vision goggle adapter (38) is provided for mounting a pair of night vision goggles (40) to a Special Purpose Test Set (10). The adapter (38) comprises slidably adjustable clamps (61 and 62) which are adjusted by a rotating rod (46). The rod (46) is rotationally supported by a bearing housing (44) which is in-turn fixed to a platform (42). The rod (46) is threadably attached at one end to a first bar (48) and threadably attached at another end to a second bar (50). The first and second bars (48 and 50) are fixed to the adjustable clamps (61 and 62) in such a fashion that as the rod (46) is rotated, the bars (48 and 50) are moved closer together or farther apart to adjust the clamps (61 and 62).

Abstract: The capacitive bolometer comprises a detection capacitor having a first-order phase transition ferroelectric material between two electrodes. The detection capacitor operates during a detection step and a subsequent readout step. During the detection step, a preselected electric field is applied to the detection capacitor to maximize its sensitivity to temperature. A second electric field is applied to the capacitor during the readout step in order to increase responsivity of the detection cell. The detection cells according to the invention can be assembled into disclosed detection arrays.

Abstract: A retainer ring (10) is provided to secure a lens (14) in a lens holder (12). The lens holder (12) has a groove (29) on its internal surface to match the external surface (34) of the ring (10). The lens (14) is placed in the lens holder (12) and the ring (10) is snapped into position in the groove (29) in lens holder (12) to secure the lens (14) therein. The lens holder (12) may then be inserted into an eyepiece (22) on a night vision goggle (20).

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: A photocathode current sensing circuit (58) is provided to adjust the electron accelerating voltage to a cone (32) and a phosphor screen (34) on an image intensifier tube (26). The voltage is adjusted by an anode power supply (60) which is responsive to the photocathode current sensing circuit (58). As light strikes the photocathode (28), a current (56) is generated. The current (56) is directly proportional to the intensity of light striking the photocathode (28). As the light and the current (56) decrease, the sensing circuit (58) controls the power supply (60) to provide a higher voltage to the cone (32) and the screen (34). By increasing the voltage to the cone (32) and the screen (34) the electrons are provided with more acceleration and, therefore, are intensified for viewing on the screen (34). An increase in light operates oppositely and decreases the intensity on the screen (34).

Abstract: A source discriminator comprises a diffusing surface (10) provided to receive radiant energy over a wide field of view. Radiant energy received is transmitted from the diffusing surface (10) along an optical fiber (12) of a preselected numerical aperture to a radiant energy filter or grating (18). The numerical aperture of the optical fiber is preselected to provide an acceptable half-cone of arrival of radiant energy at the filter or grating (18). From the radiant energy filter or grating (18), the radiant energy passes to photosensors, the output signals of which are used; is the source discriminator system.

Abstract: A saddle sway brace (90) having a channeled planar plate (94) engageable on a missile launcher platform surface (56). Angled planar plates (100, 102) provide load support for aircraft outrigger equipment. A webbed reenforcing network (110, 112) is engageable with notches (122, 124) in the missile launcher for load support and stability.